Ruggedized female fiber optic connector cable assembly

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to a ruggedized female fiber optic connector designed to reduce cost. In one example, features of a fiber optic connector and a fiber optic adapter are integrated into one assembly. In another example, a female ruggedized optic connector is provided with a simple structure having a pre-assembled ferrule alignment sleeve including a ferrule.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a National Stage of PCT/US2017/022059, filed on Mar.13, 2017, which claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No.201610145037.2, filed on Mar. 14, 2016, the disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties. To the extentappropriate, a claim of priority is made to each of the above disclosedapplications.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to optical fiber communicationsystems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to fiberoptic connectors and fiber optic connection systems.

BACKGROUND

Fiber optic communication systems are becoming prevalent in part becauseservice providers want to deliver high bandwidth communicationcapabilities (e.g., data and voice) to customers. Fiber opticcommunication systems employ a network of fiber optic cables to transmitlarge volumes of data and voice signals over relatively long distances.Optical fiber connectors are an important part of most fiber opticcommunication systems. Fiber optic connectors allow two optical fibersto be quickly optically connected together without requiring a splice,and also allow such optical fibers to be easily disconnected from oneanother. Fiber optic connectors can be used to optically interconnecttwo lengths of optical fiber. Fiber optic connectors can also be used tointerconnect lengths of optical fiber to passive and active equipment.

A typical fiber optic connector includes a ferrule assembly supported ata distal end of a connector housing. A spring is used to bias theferrule assembly in a distal direction relative to the connectorhousing. The ferrule functions to support an end portion of at least oneoptical fiber (in the case of a multi-fiber ferrule, the ends ofmultiple fibers are supported). The ferrule has a distal end face atwhich a polished end of the optical fiber is located. When two fiberoptic connectors are interconnected, the distal end faces of theferrules abut or are in close proximity to one another and the ferrulesare forced proximally relative to their respective connector housingsagainst the bias of their respective springs. Ideally, the opticalfibers of two connected fiber optic connectors are coaxially alignedsuch that the end faces of the optical fibers directly oppose oneanother. In this way, an optical signal can be transmitted from opticalfiber to optical fiber through the aligned end faces of the opticalfibers. For many fiber optic connector styles, alignment between twofiber optic connectors is provided through the use of an intermediatefiber optic adapter (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,317,663, which is herebyincorporated herein by reference) having a sleeve that receives andaligns the respective ferrules supporting the optical fibers desired tobe optically coupled together.

Ruggedized (i.e., hardened) fiber optic connection systems include fiberoptic connectors and fiber optic adapters suitable for outsideenvironmental use. These types of systems are typically environmentallysealed and include robust fastening arrangements suitable forwithstanding relatively large pull loading and side loading. Exampleruggedized fiber optic connection systems are disclosed by U.S. Pat.Nos. 7,467,896; 7,744,288 and 8,556,520.

Ruggedized fiber optic connection systems can include ruggedized femalefiber optic connectors. Ruggedized female fiber optic connectors aretypically adapted to mount at the end of a fiber optic cable and includea port adapted to receive a male ruggedized fiber optic connector.Example ruggedized female fiber optic connectors are disclosed by PCTInternational Publication Number WO2014/197894; PCT InternationalPublication Number WO2014/167447; US Patent Application PublicationNumber 2014/0241670; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,428,366 and 7,686,519.Ruggedized female fiber optic connectors having more simplifiedconstructions are needed.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a ruggedized femalefiber optic connector having a more simplified construction and areduced number of parts as compared to prior art ruggedized female fiberoptic connectors. Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to aruggedized female fiber optic connector that is easier to assemble ascompared to prior art ruggedized female fiber optic connectors. Afurther aspect of the present disclosure relates a ruggedized femalefiber optic connector having a simplified fiber optic adapter that ismounted within a connector housing by loading the fiber optic adapterthrough a front of the connector housing. Still another aspect of thepresent disclosure relates to an adapter mounting configuration thatenables front loading of a fiber optic adapter into a connector housing.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an assembly adaptedto couple to a ruggedized male fiber optic connector. The assemblyincludes a fiber optic cable including a jacket enclosing an opticalfiber and at least one strength member. The assembly also includes aruggedized female fiber optic connector coupled to an end of the fiberoptic cable. The ruggedized female fiber optic connector includes aconnector body having a length that extends along a central axis betweena first end and an opposite second end. The optical fiber of the fiberoptic cable enters the connector body through the first end of theconnector body. The strength member of the fiber optic cable is anchoredto the connector body at the first end of the connector body. The secondend of the connector body defines a connector port for receiving theruggedized male fiber optic connector. The connector body includes meansadjacent the second end of the connector body for interlocking with atwist-to-lock coupler of the ruggedized male fiber optic connector. Theruggedized female fiber optic connector also includes a ferrulealignment sleeve co-axially aligned along the central axis. The ferrulealignment sleeve includes first and second opposite ends spaced apartalong the central axis. The first end of the ferrule alignment sleevefaces toward the first end of the connector body and the second end ofthe ferrule alignment sleeve faces toward the second end of theconnector body. The second end of the ferrule alignment sleeve isaccessible through the connector port. The ruggedized female fiber opticconnector also includes an alignment sleeve housing containing theferrule alignment sleeve. The alignment sleeve housing is axially fixedwithin the connector body. The ruggedized female fiber optic connectorfurther includes a ferrule assembly including a ferrule. The ferrule isreceived within the first end of the ferrule alignment sleeve and isaxially fixed relative to the alignment sleeve housing. A section ofoptical fiber is supported within a longitudinal fiber passage of theferrule. The section of optical fiber has an interface end positionedadjacent a free end of the ferrule. The section of optical fiber isoptically coupled to the optical fiber of the fiber optic cable.

A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the descriptionthat follows. The aspects relate to individual features and tocombinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoinggeneral description and the following detailed description are exemplaryand explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventiveconcepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an exploded view of an example assembly including aruggedized female fiber optic connector having features of inventiveaspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the assembly shown inFIG. 1 that depicts one embodiment of an example alignment sleevehousing in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 5-6 are cross-sectional views of a second embodiment alignmentsleeve housing in accordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 7-8 are cross-sectional views of the ruggedized female fiber opticconnector shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 9-10 are cross-sectional views of a portion of the ruggedizedfemale fiber optic connector shown in FIGS. 7-8;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the alignment sleeve housing shown inFIG. 1 depicting an example sleeve in accordance with the principles ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the alignment sleeve housing andsleeve shown in FIG. 11;

FIGS. 13-14 are cross-sectional views showing the ruggedized femalefiber optic connector mated with a ruggedized male fiber opticconnector; and

FIGS. 15-23 illustrate a sequence of steps involved for assembling theassembly shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to ruggedized/hardened fiberoptic connection systems designed to reduce cost. In certain examples, afemale ruggedized fiber optic connector is provided with a simplestructure having a pre-assembled ferrule alignment sleeve including aferrule. In the present disclosure, the ferrule is depicted as a singlefiber ferrule. However, a multi-fiber ferrule that holds multiple fibersor a duplex fiber optic connector with multiple ferrules may also beused. In other embodiments, electrical contacts may also be used inaddition to the ferrule for compatibility with a hybridoptical/electrical cable.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an assembly thatintegrates features of a fiber optic connector and features of a fiberoptic adapter into one assembly. From one perspective, the assembly canbe considered as a fiber optic connector having fiber optic adapterfunctionality integrated therein. The assembly is configured to requirea reduced number of parts as compared to systems having a separate fiberoptic adapter that interconnects two separate fiber optic connectorsthat are each intended to be easily inserted into and removed from thefiber optic adapter (e.g., SC connectors, LC connectors, DLX™ connectorssold by TE Connectivity, OptiTap™ connectors sold by Corning CableSystems, etc.) By integrating features of a fiber optic connector and afiber optic adapter into one assembly, the total number of parts can bereduced thereby facilitating assembly operations and reducing cost.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an assembly 20 in accordance with the principles ofthe present disclosure. The assembly 20 includes a fiber optic cable 22.The fiber optic cable 22 can include at least one optical fiber 24capable of carrying optical signals. The optical fiber 24 includes acore surrounded by cladding. The core is the light-conducting centralportion of the optical fiber 24. The cladding surrounds the core and iscomposed of a material having a lower index of refraction than thematerial of the core. Light is internally reflected within the core totransmit the optical signal along the core. The optical fiber caninclude a coating layer (e.g., acrylate) that protects the glasscladding and core. In some examples, the optical fiber 24, including thecoating layer, can be protected within a buffer tube 26 (e.g., a tightor loose buffer tube). The fiber optic cable 22 can also includestrength members 28 within the fiber optic cable 22 to increase thetensile strength of the fiber optic cable 22. Example strength membersinclude flexible string-like reinforcement yarns such as fiberglass oraramid yarn that mostly provide tensile reinforcement. The strengthmembers can also more rigid rods (e.g., metal rods such as steel rods orcomposite rods such as rods made of fiberglass roving reinforcedpolymer) that provide tensile and compressive reinforcement. The opticalfiber 24, strength members 28, buffer tube 26 and other cable componentscan be surrounded by an outer jacket 30 or sheath that provides aprotective covering for the cable components. In certain examples thecable can include a plurality of optical fibers. In certain examples,the cables can be hybrid cables that include both optical fibers forcarrying optical signals and metal conductors for carrying electricalsignals or power.

The assembly 20 includes a ruggedized female fiber optic connector 32coupled to the fiber optic cable 22 at a distal end 34 thereof. Theruggedized female fiber optic connector 32 includes a connector body 36,a ferrule alignment sleeve 38, an alignment sleeve housing 40, a ferruleassembly 42, and a section of optical fiber 44.

The example connector body 36 is shown as a unitary one piececonstruction, although alternatives are possible. The connector body 36can have a length L₁ that extends along a central axis X between a firstend 46 and an opposite second end 48. The first end 46 of the connectorbody 36 is adapted to receive the fiber optic cable 22. In certainexamples, a flexible boot 50 can be mounted over the interface betweenthe fiber optic cable 22 and the first end 46 of the connector body 36.The strength members 28 of the fiber optic cable 22 can be anchored tothe connector body 36 at the first end 46 thereof. For example, thestrength members 28 of the fiber optic cable 22 can be adhesively bondedwithin the connector body 36 adjacent the first end 46 of the connectorbody 36.

The second end 48 of the connector body 36 defines a connector port 52sized to receive an external ruggedized male fiber optic connector 54(see FIGS. 13-14). When the ruggedized female fiber optic connector 32is not in use, the connector port 52 can receive a plug 56 (e.g.protective cap) that prevents dust, water or other contaminants fromentering an interior of the connector body 36. The connector body 36includes means 58 (e.g., a twist-to-lock interface such a threads or abayonet style interface) adjacent the second end 48 of the connectorbody 36 for interlocking with a twist-to-lock coupler 60 (e.g., anexterior threaded nut, an internally threaded sleeve, a bayonet coupler,etc.) (see FIGS. 13-14) of the ruggedized male fiber optic connector 54.It will be appreciated that although a twist-to-lock interface is shown,alternatives are possible (e.g., snap fit, slide lock collars, etc.).The twist-to-lock coupler 60 engages the means 58 provided at theconnector port 52 to secure the ruggedized male fiber optic connector 54within the ruggedized female fiber optic connector 32.

Referring to FIG. 4, the ferrule alignment sleeve 38 is co-axiallyaligned along the central axis X. The ferrule alignment sleeve 38includes first and second opposite ends 62, 64 that are spaced apartalong the central axis X. The first end 62 of the ferrule alignmentsleeve 38 faces toward the first end 46 of the connector body 36 (seeFIGS. 2 and 3). The second end 64 of the ferrule alignment sleeve 38faces toward the second end 48 of the connector body 36 (see FIGS. 2 and3). The second end 64 of the ferrule alignment sleeve 38 can be accessedthrough the connector port 52. The ferrule alignment sleeve 38 ismounted within the alignment sleeve housing 40. As is known in the art,the ferrule alignment sleeve 38 is free to float slightly within thealignment sleeve housing 40.

The ferrule alignment sleeve 38 can be a cylindrical split-sleeve. Theferrule alignment sleeve 38 can be made of a resilient material such asa metal material (e.g., steel, phosphorous bronze, zirconia). Whenconfigured in as a cylindrical split-sleeve, the ferrule alignmentsleeve 38 can have a split sleeve one longitudinal slit defined throughthe ferrule alignment sleeve 38 to allow the ferrule alignment sleeve 38to elastically flex open upon receipt of a ferrule therein. It will beappreciated that the ferrule alignment sleeve 38 has an elasticconstruction that allows the ferrule alignment structure 38 to flex opento receive in internal ferrule (e.g., ferrule 66) at the first end 62 aswell as a ferrule corresponding to the ruggedized male fiber opticconnector 54 at the second end 64. The ferrule alignment sleeve 38functions to coaxially align the internal ferrule with the ferrule ofthe ruggedized male fiber optic connector 54 along the central axis X.In this way, an optical coupling can be provided between optical fibersheld by the ferrules. In certain examples, the ferrule alignment sleeve38 can be manufactured of a material such as Zirconia Ceramic, PhosphorBronze, plastic materials, and other materials having suitable elasticcharacteristics.

In the depicted example, the ferrule assembly 42 includes the ferrule66. The ferrule 66 can be inserted or received within the first end 62of the ferrule alignment sleeve 38. The ferrule 66 can be axially fixedrelative to the alignment sleeve housing 40 such that when theruggedized female fiber optic connector 32 is mated with the ruggedizedmale fiber optic connector 54 the ferrule 66 does not move axiallyrelative to the alignment sleeve housing 40 along the central axis X.The ferrule 66 is mounted relative to the alignment sleeve housing 40without the use of a spring that biases the ferrule 66 toward theconnector port 52. As such, the ferrule 66 is not free to move backagainst a bias of a spring along the central axis X when the ruggedizedmale fiber optic connector 54 is mated with the ruggedized female fiberoptic connector 32. The ferrule alignment sleeve 38 aligns the ferrule66 such that an optical fiber within the ferrule 66 is coaxially alignedalong the central axis X.

The section of optical fiber 44 can be supported within a longitudinalfiber passage 68 of the ferrule 66. In certain examples, the section ofoptical fiber 44 can be unitary with the optical fiber 24 of the fiberoptic cable 22 (e.g., directly terminated). In other examples, thesection of optical fiber 44 can be spliced to the optical fiber 24 ofthe fiber optic cable 22 at a splice location 21 (see FIG. 2) within theconnector body 36. The splice location 21 can be closely locatedrelative to the ferrule 66 thereby allowing the length of the connectorbody 36 to be relatively short. The splice can be protected by a shapememory sleeve 23 (see FIG. 1) such as, but not limited to, a heat shrinksleeve that contains adhesive. The section of optical fiber 44 can havean interface end 70 positioned adjacent a free end 72 of the ferrule 66.In one example, the interface end 70 of the section of optical fiber 44can be flush relative to an end face 74 of the ferrule 66 at the freeend 72 of the ferrule 66. In other examples, the interface end 70 of thesection of optical fiber 44 can be recessed relative to the end face 74of the ferrule 66 at the free end 72 of the ferrule 66. In certainexamples, the interface end 70 of the section of optical fiber 44 canprotrude relative to the end face 74 of the ferrule 66 at the free end72 of the ferrule 66. The section of optical fiber 44 can be opticallycoupled to the optical fiber 24 of the fiber optic cable 22.

A base end 76 of the ferrule 66 can be secured within a ferrule hub 78.The ferrule hub 78 can be fixed in place relative to the alignmentsleeve housing 40. The alignment sleeve housing 40 defines a receptacle80 for receiving the ferrule hub 78. The alignment sleeve housing 40further defines a radial shoulder 82 between the receptacle 80 and theferrule alignment sleeve 38. The ferrule hub 78 can include a radialflange 84 that can be axially captured within the receptacle 80 betweenthe radial shoulder 82 and a fastener 86 secured within the receptacle80. In one example, the fastener 86 can be a spring clip (e.g., snapring). In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-6, the fastener 86 can bea stopper plug snapped or threaded within the receptacle 80.

The radial flange 84 of the ferrule hub 78 may have a hexagon shape. Thealignment sleeve housing 40 may have features that include a hexagonshape. The radial flange 84 can includes a series of flats used forindexing or otherwise rotationally positioning the ferrule 66 in thealignment sleeve housing 40. The radial flange 84 of the ferrule hub 78and the receptacle 80 of the alignment sleeve housing 40 can have matinggeometries that define multi-sided transverse cross-sectional shapes(e.g., hexagonal) that allow the ferrule 66 to be mounted at a desiredrotatable position. The mating geometries can also prevent the ferrulehub 78 from rotating about the central axis X relative to the alignmentsleeve housing 40. In one example, the mating geometries include atleast one set of opposing flats. The mating geometries allow the ferruleassembly 42 to be set at a selected one of a plurality of differentrotational positions relative to the alignment sleeve housing 40 toallow for tuning (i.e., positioning a core offset of the optical fiberat a desired rotational position about the axis X). Indicia can beprovided on one of the flats so as to indicate a tuned position (e.g.,core offset) of the optical fiber 24 within the ferrule 66. In this way,the ferrule 66 can be rotationally oriented within the alignment sleevehousing 40 taking tuning into consideration. Thus, the hex shape of theferrule hub 78 and receptacle 80 of the alignment sleeve housing 40allows tuning by allowing core offset to be oriented at a desiredposition.

Although the ferrule 66 is shown as a single fiber ferrule, it will beappreciated that the ferrule 66 can be a multi-fiber ferrule that holdsmultiple fibers or a duplex connector with multiple ferrules. In otherembodiments, in addition to a ferrule, electrical contacts may be usedfor compatibility with a hybrid optical/electrical cable.

Referring to FIGS. 7-10, the alignment sleeve housing 40 can be axiallyfixed within the connector body 36 such that when the ruggedized femalefiber optic connector 32 is mated with the ruggedized male fiber opticconnector 54, the alignment sleeve housing 40 does not move axiallyrelative to the connector body 36 along the central axis X. In certainexamples, the alignment sleeve housing 40 can be secured within theconnector body 36 by a snap fit connection. In other examples, thealignment sleeve housing 40 can be secured within the connector body 36by a threaded connection. In one example, the alignment sleeve housing40 can be adhesively bonded within the connector body 36.

In certain examples, the connector body 36 can include resilient latches27 having tabs 29 that snap-fit with corresponding shoulders 31 definedby the alignment sleeve housing 40. In this manner, when the alignmentsleeve housing 40 is inserted into the second end 48 of the connectorbody 36, the flexible latches 27 ride along tapered ramp surfaces 33 andflex outwardly causing the tabs 29 to snap and engage the correspondingshoulders 31 (see FIG. 9) thereby securing the alignment sleeve housing40 within the connector body 36. The alignment sleeve housing 40 abutsstops 35 (see FIG. 10) on top and bottom sides of the connector body 36to prevent the alignment sleeve housing 40 from being inserted too far.

Turning again to FIG. 1, the assembly 20 can include a rear end cap 88and a heat shrink sleeve 90. The rear end cap 88 is mounted within thefirst end 46 of the connector body 36. The fiber optic cable 22 passesthrough the rear end cap 88. The rear end cap 88 helps to prevent epoxyleakage during epoxy injection to secure strength members of the cableto the connector body 36 and reduces the amount of epoxy used. In oneexample, the rear end cap 88 may be made of plastic or metal, althoughalternatives are possible. For example, the metal may be aluminum withgood heat conductivity to heat cure the epoxy which can provide for asimple assembly. The heat shrink sleeve 90 provides a seal between theouter jacket 30 of the fiber optic cable 22 and the first end 46 of theconnector body 36. The flexible boot 50 can be mounted over the heatshrink sleeve 90 at an interface between the fiber optic cable 22 andthe connector body 36.

Referring to FIGS. 11-12, a U-groove holder 92 (e.g., sleeve) isdepicted as an alternate splice protector which contains adhesive 25 toprotect the splicing point. The U-groove holder 92 is assembled into theferrule hub 78 and can provide the same benefits as the shape memorysleeve 23.

Referring to FIGS. 13-14, the assembly 20 is shown coupled to theruggedized male fiber optic connector 54. The ruggedized male fiberoptic connector 54 includes a ferrule 94 positioned within the secondend 48 of the connector body 36. When the ruggedized male fiber opticconnector 54 is inserted into the connector port 52, the ferrule 94 ofthe ruggedized male fiber optic connector 54 is received within thesecond end 64 of the ferrule alignment sleeve 38 such that an opticalconnection is provided between the ruggedized female fiber opticconnector 32 and the ruggedized male fiber optic connector 54. Theferrule alignment sleeve 38 coaxially aligns the ferrule 94 of theruggedized male fiber optic connector 54 with the ferrule 66 within theruggedized female fiber optic connector 32. In this way, an opticalconnection is made between an optical fiber 96 supported by the ferrule94 of the ruggedized male fiber optic connector 54 and the optical fiber24 of the fiber optic cable 22 anchored to the ruggedized female fiberoptic connector 32.

In the depicted embodiment, the ruggedized female fiber optic connector32 and the ruggedized male fiber optic connector 54 are adapted foroutside environmental use. For example, the ruggedized female fiberoptic connector 32 and the ruggedized male fiber optic connector 54 caninclude environmental seals (e.g., an annular seal such as an O-ring, aface seal, a radial seal etc.) for preventing moisture/water intrusion.The environmental seals can provide environmental sealing between themated ruggedized male and female fiber optic connectors 32, 54.

FIGS. 15-23 illustrate a series of process steps for assembling theassembly 20 of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 15, the alignment sleevehousing 40 is placed into a first adapter 98 where an optical fiber stub100 is stripped and cleaved. In FIG. 16, the fiber optic cable 22 isshown mounted in a second adapter 102 where the optical fiber 24 (e.g.,incoming fiber) is stripped and cleaved. It will be appreciated that thefirst and second adapters 98, 102 are not components of the assembly 20and can be disposable. FIG. 17 shows the optical fiber 24 fusion splicedto the optical fiber stub 100 at the splice location 21. FIG. 18 showsthe first and second adapters 98, 102 removed. The shape memory sleeve23 has been mounted over the splice location 21 to protect the splice.FIG. 19 shows the alignment sleeve housing 40 loaded within theconnector body 36. The rear end cap 88 is mounted within the first end46 of the connector body 36.

The connector body 36 and rear end cap 88 can be loaded into a fixture104 such that the connector body 36 is oriented in a vertical directionD as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. Epoxy or adhesive can be injected intothe connector body 36 to bond strength members 28 within the connectorbody and thereby anchor (e.g., fix) the fiber optic cable 22 to theconnector body. The adhesive can be heat cured.

An optional heat shrink sleeve 90 can be mounted over the rear end cap88 as shown in FIG. 22. The heat shrink sleeve 90 is heated to shrinkonto the fiber optic cable 22 and the connector body 36 to seal thefirst end 46 of the connector body 36 with the fiber optic cable 22.

FIG. 23 shows the flexible boot 50 mounted over the interface betweenthe fiber optic cable 22 and the first end 46 of the connector body 36for reinforcement. A plug 56 (with O-ring 106 (see FIG. 1) alreadyassembled on) is shown attached at the second end 48 of the connectorbody 36. A tether 108 is shown with a first end 110 attached about theplug 56 and a second end 112 attached about the flexible boot 50.

From the forgoing detailed description, it will be evident thatmodifications and variations can be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the disclosure.

PARTS LIST

-   20 Assembly-   21 Splice location-   22 Fiber optic cable-   23 Shape memory sleeve-   24 Optical fiber-   25 Adhesive-   26 Buffer tube-   27 Latches-   28 Strength members-   29 Tabs-   30 Outer jacket-   31 Shoulders-   32 Ruggedized female fiber optic connector-   33 Tapered ramp surfaces-   34 Distal end-   35 Stops-   36 Connector body-   38 Ferrule alignment sleeve-   40 Alignment sleeve housing-   42 Ferrule assembly-   44 A section of optical fiber-   46 First end-   48 Second end-   50 Flexible boot-   52 Connector port-   54 Ruggedized male fiber optic connector-   56 Plug-   58 Means-   60 Twist-to-lock coupler-   62 First end-   64 Second end-   66 Ferrule-   68 Longitudinal fiber passage-   70 Interface end-   72 Free end-   74 End face-   76 Base end-   78 Ferrule hub-   80 Receptacle-   82 Radial shoulder-   84 Radial flange-   86 Fastener-   88 Rear end cap-   90 Heat shrink sleeve-   92 U-groove holder-   94 Ferrule-   96 Optical fiber-   98 First adapter-   100 Optical fiber stub-   102 Second adapter-   104 Fixture-   106 O-ring-   108 Tether-   110 First end-   112 Second end

What is claimed is:
 1. An assembly adapted to couple to a ruggedizedmale fiber optic connector, the assembly comprising: a fiber optic cableincluding a jacket enclosing an optical fiber and at least one strengthmember; a ruggedized female fiber optic connector coupled to an end ofthe fiber optic cable, the ruggedized female fiber optic connectorcomprising: a connector body having a length that extends along acentral axis between a first end and an opposite second end, the opticalfiber of the fiber optic cable entering the connector body through thefirst end of the connector body, the at least one strength member of thefiber optic cable being anchored to the connector body at the first endof the connector body, the second end of the connector body defining aconnector port for receiving the ruggedized male fiber optic connector,the connector body including means adjacent the second end of theconnector body for interlocking with a twist-to-lock coupler of theruggedized male fiber optic connector; a ferrule alignment sleeveco-axially aligned along the central axis, the ferrule alignment sleeveincluding first and second opposite ends spaced apart along the centralaxis, the first end of the ferrule alignment sleeve facing toward thefirst end of the connector body and the second end of the ferrulealignment sleeve facing toward the second end of the connector body, thesecond end of the ferrule alignment sleeve being accessible through theconnector port; an alignment sleeve housing containing the ferrulealignment sleeve, the alignment sleeve housing being axially fixedwithin the connector body; a ferrule assembly including a ferrule, theferrule being received within the first end of the ferrule alignmentsleeve, the ferrule being axially fixed relative to the alignment sleevehousing; and a section of optical fiber supported within a longitudinalfiber passage of the ferrule, the section of optical fiber having aninterface end positioned adjacent a free end of the ferrule, the sectionof optical fiber being optically coupled to the optical fiber of thefiber optic cable.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the section ofoptical fiber supported by the ferrule is unitary with the optical fiberof the fiber optic cable.
 3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein thesection of optical fiber supported by the ferrule is spliced to theoptical fiber of the fiber optic cable at a location within theconnector body.
 4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the splice isprotected by a shape memory sleeve.
 5. The assembly of claim 4, whereinthe shape memory sleeve is a heat shrink sleeve that contains adhesive.6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the ruggedized female fiber opticconnector does not include a spring and wherein the ferrule is notspring biased along the central axis.
 7. The assembly of claim 1,further comprising a ferrule hub secured to a base end of the ferrule,the ferrule hub being fixed in place relative to the alignment sleevehousing.
 8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the ferrule hub includes aradial flange, wherein the alignment sleeve housing defines a receptaclefor receiving the ferrule hub, wherein the alignment sleeve housingdefines a radial shoulder between the receptacle and the ferrulealignment sleeve, wherein the radial flange of the ferrule hub isaxially captured within the receptacle between the radial shoulder and afastener secured within the receptacle.
 9. The assembly of claim 8,wherein the fastener is a snap ring.
 10. The assembly of claim 8,wherein the fastener is a stopper plug snapped or threaded within thereceptacle.
 11. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the ferrule hub and thereceptacle have mating geometries that prevent the ferrule hub fromrotating about the central axis relative to the alignment sleevehousing.
 12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the mating geometriesinclude at least one set of opposing flats.
 13. The assembly of claim12, wherein the mating geometries define hexagonal transversecross-sectional shapes.
 14. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the matinggeometries allow the ferrule assembly to be set at a selected one of aplurality of different rotational positions relative to the alignmentsleeve housing to allow for tuning.
 15. The assembly of claim 1, whereinthe connector body has a unitary one piece construction.
 16. Theassembly of claim 1, wherein a rear end cap is mounted within the firstend of the connector body and wherein the fiber optic cable passesthrough the rear end cap.
 17. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the atleast one strength member of the fiber optic cable is adhesively bondedwithin the connector body adjacent the first end of the connector body.18. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a heat shrink sleeveproviding a seal between the jacket of the fiber optic cable and thefirst end of the connector body, and a flexible boot mounted over theheat shrink sleeve at an interface between the fiber optic cable and theconnector body.
 19. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the alignmentsleeve housing is secured within the connector body by snap fitconnection.
 20. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the alignment sleevehousing is secured within the connector body by adhesive.
 21. Theassembly of claim 19, wherein the alignment sleeve housing is loadedinto the connector body through the connector port.